Álvaro Carreras's signing by Real Madrid was the result of lengthy talks with Benfica that lasted for months. In the end, the deal was successfully completed and the young defender was able to join the white squad. Since then, his adaptation has been a pleasant surprise.
The left-back has earned everyone's trust thanks to his maturity, discipline, and ability to do exactly what's asked of him. His physical and technical level has brought stability to an area that in recent years had raised doubts. This scenario has completely changed.
Álvaro Carreras and the bet on the future
Xabi Alonso, aware of his potential, has decided to give him continuity to consolidate him as a key piece at Real Madrid. At just 22 years old, the Spanish defender combines offensive projection and defensive security. In addition, he has shown the personality to take on responsibilities in the most important future matches.
Xabi's trust has been immediate and that has made a huge difference compared to what had been happening before. Carreras represents a long-term bet and has become one of the recent major successes of the sporting management.
Xabi Alonso moves pieces in Real Madrid's defense
The coach has also sent a clear message about the substitutes in that area, showing support for Fran García. The left-sided full-back will remain part of the group and will get minutes to compete. His presence ensures that there is healthy and high-quality competition on the left wing.
This outlook reinforces the idea that Real Madrid has found a defensive balance it had been seeking for some time. However, this restructuring also means that some important names are directly affected. In this case, one of them is clearly singled out.
Ferland Mendy, the big loser
Ferland Mendy has seen how Álvaro Carreras's arrival has reduced his chances to a minimum. His injury history has weighed too heavily in the final assessment. In addition, Xabi Alonso doesn't consider him a reliable long-term piece.
Constant physical issues have limited his continuity and have caused Real Madrid to lose trust in him. For this reason, the sporting management has concluded that the best solution is to facilitate his departure. That decision will also free up space in the squad.
A decision made for the future
Álvaro Carreras will be the undisputed starter at left-back for the coming years, with Fran García as his immediate backup. The duo fits what Xabi Alonso is looking for: youth, reliability, and internal competitiveness. Real Madrid trusts that both will grow consistently.
Mendy's case thus becomes a clear example of how opportunities change quickly in elite soccer. The Frenchman goes from being essential to seeing his role disappear in a matter of months.
Real Madrid rebuilds with clear decisions
Ultimately, Álvaro Carreras's arrival has been decisive in redefining Real Madrid's defensive future. Xabi Alonso, satisfied with the young full-back's performance, has given the green light to this quiet renewal.
Ferland Mendy's farewell is understood as a natural step within an adjustment process. Real Madrid is committed to consolidating its young full-backs and building with them the foundation of the defense for the next decade.